Ban lifted but agitation far from over, says Chakhesang Students' Union

• NHIDCL reports 14.46% physical progress of delayed road project
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• KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) has announced it will continue its agitation over the delayed construction of NH-29 (package-II) from Kohima to Jessami, despite suspending the current phase involving a vehicular movement ban on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), construction firm Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., and government vehicles.
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• In a press statement issued on Friday, the CSU stated that the second phase of its agitation, which restricted vehicular movement, has officially been suspended as of May 16. However, the union clarified that this suspension does not mark the end of their protest.

Also read: Pfutsero Commercial Vehicle Owners and Drivers’ Union, Pfutsero Town Chakhesang Students’ Union put weight behind Chakhesang Students' Union

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• Starting May 17, the CSU will launch the third phase of its agitation by displaying black flags as a symbolic act of protest against what it described as "ongoing negligence and inaction" by NHIDCL and the contractor.
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• The union reiterated its firm position: “No compromise. No delay. Termination or agitation continues.”
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• It also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely completion of the long-overdue road project.
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• Meanwhile, in a letter dated May 14 and addressed to the CSU president, the executive director (P) of NHIDCL reported that the project has achieved 14.46% physical progress so far.
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• The NHIDCL outlined that out of the 21.9 km project stretch, 1.675 km of vulnerable chainages were identified for pre-monsoon maintenance. Of these, 0.710 km has been completed, with the remaining 0.965 km currently in progress, and scheduled to be finished before the monsoon.
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• Similarly, of the 0.570 km landslide-affected section, 0.430 km has been cleared, and the remaining 0.140 km is expected to be cleared by June 10, provided work resumes as scheduled from May 14.
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• The NHIDCL assured that the EPC contractor has mobilised the required machinery, manpower, and materials, and remains committed to completing the project by the stipulated deadline of January 4, 2026.
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• The agency also urged the CSU to lift the blockade, highlighting that continued disruption could negatively affect both ongoing maintenance work and the overall project timeline.
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• It further assured that emergent repairs during the monsoon would be promptly undertaken to maintain safe and uninterrupted traffic flow.
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• Contractor’s commitment
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• In a separate letter to the deputy commissioner of Phek and convenor of the Project Monitoring Group (PMG), MSN Murthy, the authorised signatory for M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., confirmed the contractor’s commitment to the monsoon preparedness plan.
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• The contractor stated that failure to complete any scheduled maintenance would permit the NHIDCL to assign the remaining work to another agency at the risk and cost of Ratna Infrastructure Projects.
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• The construction firm also sought permission to resume work immediately in order to meet the agreed timeline and fulfil its maintenance obligations.